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Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 7 Apr 2022

Written Answers Nos. 31-50

Enterprise Support Services

Ceisteanna (31)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

31. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the various levels of support that were made available to enterprises throughout the country in the course of the pandemic; the extent to which such assistance remains available; the duration for which support remains available; the degree to which the assistance has addressed insofar as is possible the challenges to business as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18759/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has worked to support businesses through these challenging times with a wide range of measures for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, business continuity and trading online grants, Restart Grants, COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, commercial rates waivers and warehousing of tax liabilities. The breadth and variety of COVID-19 related schemes to support all kinds of businesses, but particularly small and medium enterprise, through the pandemic has been unprecedented, and their design and delivery has very much been a priority for the Government.

The degree to which the assistance has addressed the challenges which businesses were facing is a matter of independent evaluation to be undertaken at different stages depending on the provenance of and timeframes for individual schemes and may follow audits in some cases. In light of the further challenges which are posed by the war in Ukraine and its economic fallout in all EU Member States, I expect this to be a complex undertaking. On occasion, it may be challenging to untangle the impact of one economically disruptive event from the other.

Details of the supports can be found on my Department’s website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie). I also publish an updated table on the uptake of the range of advisory and finance schemes on my Department's website, which sets out both closed and ongoing support schemes for the information of the public. I attach it here for the Deputy’s information.

Tracker

Regional Development

Ceisteanna (32)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

32. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the communication that his Department has had with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications relating to the local government (restoration of town councils) Bill 2018; and his views on the potential of restored town councils to be a driver of economic activity in regional towns. [18631/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Local Government Reform Act 2014 saw the dissolution of 80 town councils and the Government has no plans to reintroduce town councils. Instead, the focus of the Programme for Government – Our shared Future - is to strengthen the operation of the 95 municipal districts established in 2014 and which cover the entirety of the State’s population as opposed to the 14% of the population previously represented by town councils.

The Municipal District system provides effective and community-focused decision-making and implementation. There is full integration of local authority resources across each county, and elimination of duplication both in administrative and electoral terms.

The Municipal District system is also closer to the European norm, covering the entire territory of each county, in contrast with the previous arrangement of isolated town councils, while rural areas, many town environs, and some larger centres lacked municipal status and local governance.

An important benefit of the Municipal District system is a more appropriate assignment of local authority functions. Local matters are dealt with at Municipal District level, while those of wider strategic application are decided at county level, without duplication between county and district jurisdictions. In effect, there is now a dual system of governance but an integrated administrative structure in each county which maximises operational efficiency while ensuring devolved decision-making throughout the county.

Regional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation is a key policy priority of mine and this Government.

Throughout the first quarter of this year, I along with the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD and Minister of State Robert Troy TD have launched 8 of 9 Regional Enterprise Plans. A key feature and strength of the Regional Enterprise Plans is that they are developed using a ‘bottom-up’ approach, developed by regional stakeholders, including local government structures, who are keenly aware of the growth opportunities and vulnerabilities in their region.

Together, we have been determined to ensure that funding is available to support these Plans. I can advise the Deputy that up to €180m is being made available for the nine regional plans to develop and implement collaborative and innovative enterprise projects – projects that will not just sustain but enhance employment opportunities at county, regional and national level.

Consumer Protection

Ceisteanna (33)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

33. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is undertaking new initiatives in the area of consumer protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18656/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I will be introducing new and enhanced consumer protection measures shortly with the publication of the Consumer Rights Bill 2022 and its introduction into the Houses and also through the transposition of the Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers Bill later in the year.

The purpose of the Consumer Rights Bill is to give effect to a number of EU consumer rights Directives, including:

1. Directive 2019/770 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services;

2. Directive 2019/771 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the sale of goods; and

3. the main provisions of Directive 2019/2161 on the better enforcement and modernisation of Union consumer protection rules.

The Bill will also consolidate, modernise and enhance domestic consumer contract law by bringing existing provisions together in a single enactment. The main provisions of the Bill include:

- rights and remedies in consumer contracts for the sale of goods;

- rights and remedies in consumer contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services;

- rights and remedies in consumer contracts for non-digital services;

- consumer information and cancellation rights;

- unfair terms in consumer contracts;

- unfair commercial practices;

- enhanced enforcement measures available to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

Services account for an increasingly large part of consumer activity and expenditure. The rights of consumers in respect of service contracts will be expanded and a scheme of statutory remedies will be established to apply where a service does not conform to these rights.

Consumer contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services have not previously been the subject of specific statutory regulation. While digital content supplied in tangible form such as a cd or dvd is subject to the rights and remedies in current legislation, digital content supplied, as is now mainly the case, in intangible form, through downloads, streaming or other means is not currently subject to similar statutory regulation.

Substantial amendments will be made to the existing provisions on consumer information and cancellation rights due to the transposition of Directive 2019/2161.

Changes will be made to the current unfair terms in consumer contracts legislation, to include –

- extending the scope of the unfair terms provisions;

- strengthening the transparency requirements that apply to contract terms;

- narrowing the exemption from assessment for unfairness of core contract terms, and

- expanding the ‘grey list’ of consumer contract terms presumed unfair and introducing a ‘blacklist’ of terms that are automatically unfair.

Various amendments will be made to the Consumer Protection Act 2007 required to update the law on unfair commercial practices as included in Directive 2019/2161. These amendments will extend and enhance the enforcement measures available to the CCPC and ComReg.

Also, on 22 March last, the Government approved the priority drafting of the Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers Bill 2022. The Bill will transpose the EU Directive on Representative Actions (2020/2018) into domestic law. The Directive is due to be transposed by 25 December 2022. My Department has published the General Scheme of the Bill on its website. The primary purpose of the Bill is to permit a qualified entity to represent consumers in a representative action where a trader has infringed their consumer rights under one or more of the legislative provisions listed in the Schedule to the General Scheme.

For the first time in Irish law, a group of consumers will be able to take a civil action against a rogue trader through a Qualified Entity. A qualified entity will act as the designated representative for the consumers affected by an infringement of their consumer protection rights. Consumers will be charged a modest fee by the qualified entity to take part in their representative action. Actions can be brought on a domestic or cross-border basis. All EU consumers are protected against any rogue trader in the EU. Building on from the Consumer Rights Bill 2022, this Bill adds to consumer protection. The Bill also serves to protect the interests of traders who already abide by consumer protection legislation in that it provides additional mechanisms to tackle non-compliant traders who are, thereby, competing unfairly.

Corporate Governance

Ceisteanna (34)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

34. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in the establishment of the corporate enforcement authority. [18630/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021 which provides for the establishment of the CEA, was signed by the President on December 22. A cross referencing error in section 11 relating to a Schedule in the Act which prevented the proper establishment of the CEA, was identified by the Office of Parliamentary Council in January. To address this an amendment to the Act was included in section 4 the Redundancy Payments (Amendment) Act 2022 which was signed by the President on the 31 March. This means that work can now proceed on the required Orders to commence provisions of the 2021 Act and provide for an establishment day for the Authority.

Establishing the Corporate Enforcement Authority at the earliest opportunity is a priority for me. Ensuring that its establishment is on the strongest possible basis, one which endures into the future is equally important. My intention is that establishment will take place once all the legal, operational, and resourcing matters integral to the CEA’s successful establishment, are finalised to my satisfaction.

Based on the Director’s assessment of the requirements of the new Authority 14 additional civilian staff and 9 additional members of An Garda Síochána will be assigned and seconded to the CEA. Once in place, this will represent an increase of 50% on total headcount.

Discussions are ongoing on arrangements related to the assignment of these additional garda resources and on the agreement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) and An Garda Síochána. I expect these discussions to be successfully concluded shortly.

Once the above matters are resolved to my satisfaction, I am confident the CEA will be established on the best possible basis which endures into the future

Living Wage

Ceisteanna (35)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

35. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the work of the Working Group on the Living Wage. [18807/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has been clear in its belief that a legacy of the pandemic must be better pay, terms and conditions for everyone, but particularly for those on low pay. We are committed, therefore, to honouring the Programme for Government commitment to progressing to a living wage over the lifetime of this Government. In doing so, we need to recognise that many businesses have been badly affected by the pandemic and are struggling to pay existing wages. We need to make sure that we proceed in a way that does not cause jobs to be lost in terms of the numbers of people employed, or would see employees having their hours cut. To do so would be counterproductive.

In 2021, I asked the Low Pay Commission to examine the Programme for Government commitment and to make recommendations on the best approach to progressing to a living wage over the lifetime of the Government.

The Low Pay Commission commissioned a team of researchers at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth to conduct supporting research on the concept of a living wage. Terms of Reference for this research were noted by Cabinet in 2021. During its deliberations on the progression to a living wage the Low Pay Commission also met with both employee and employer representatives.

In the last week, the Low Pay Commission submitted its report on the living wage. Along with my officials, I will review the Commission’s report and recommendations. I will also consider the next steps required in the progression to a living wage, such as the publication of the Commission’s report and the accompanying research report, and consultation on the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations.

Legislative Programme

Ceisteanna (36)

James Lawless

Ceist:

36. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the legislative changes that are planned in the area of competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18790/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am currently bringing the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2022 through the Oireachtas, and was very grateful to my Select Committee colleagues for their support in concluding Committee stage of the Bill yesterday morning. The purpose of this Bill is to give effect to Directive 2019/1 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 to empower the competition authorities of the Member States to be more effective enforcers and to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market (ECN+). The ECN+ system is intended to ensure effective and consistent application of the EU laws with close cooperation by its members. It will implement one item from the Programme for Government when it puts in place a new legal regime which allows the CCPC and ComReg to use administrative financial sanctions when dealing with infringements of competition law.

Furthermore, the Bill will strengthen the powers of the State in tackling white collar crime, economic crime and corruption, as part of the response to the Hamilton Report (Review of Structures and Strategies to Prevent, Investigate and Penalise Economic Crime and Corruption) which was published by Minister McEntee in December 2020.

I look forward to the continuing support of my parliamentary colleagues as I seek to conclude the passage of this Bill through the Oireachtas before the summer recess.

Work Permits

Ceisteanna (37, 52)

David Stanton

Ceist:

37. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employment permit applications received by his Department per month form October 2021 to March 2022, inclusive; the number of applications processed by his Department per month in this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18783/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

David Stanton

Ceist:

52. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures that his Department has put in place to deal with the delays in the processing of employment permit applications and requests to expedite employment permit applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18784/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 52 together.

My Department recognises the impact delays in the processing times for work permits has for businesses and their workers.

My Department experienced a significant increase in applications for employment permits in the past year, impacting on processing times. From the start of January to the end of December 2021, some 27,666 applications were received, representing a 69% increase over the same period in 2020 (16,293) and a 47% increase on 2019 (18,811), which itself represented an 11 year high in applications.

My Department has issued 16,275 employment permits in 2021, and processed a total of 17,968 applications which represents a significant volume of activity. In addition, the extension of categories of employment permits following the latest Review of the Occupational Lists has increased the demand for employment permits.

My Department and I are very conscious of the current timeframes for processing employment permit applications and the staff of the Employment Permits section are committed to reducing these.

A plan of action is being implemented by officials in Employment Permits team. It has increased resources and implemented more efficient methods of processing applications, including removing hundreds of doctors from the permits system. The processing team has trebled in size and daily output has more than tripled compared to 2021 levels.

Since the implementation of this plan, the Employment Permits section has made positive progress to reduce the current backlog reducing the number of applications awaiting processing from 11,181 in January 2022 to 8,773 at the end of March 2022. Officials expect to see a further significant improvements in this backlog by the end of Q2 of 2022.

Waiting times for Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEPs) have been more than halved in the past seven weeks. Waiting times for CSEPs are 6 weeks for Trusted Partner and 8 Weeks for Standards. These stood at 14 weeks for Trusted Partners and 21 weeks for Standards only eight weeks ago. The Department plans to maintain processing times for all CSEP applications at approximately its current level for all of Q2, on the assumption that demand remains at current levels. The waiting time for other permit types will fall considerably in Q2.

If a permit is urgently required, an applicant may request to have an application expedited. A request to have an application expedited will only be considered in exceptional cases. The Department can only consider a request to expedite an employment permit application where a detailed business case is provided.

Details of the exceptional case must be submitted to the Department on the attached expedite request form, which is a prerequisite for DETE to consider any such request.

Once the business case is completed it should be submitted to Employmentpermits@enterprise.gov.ie for consideration. It is important to point out that the completion of a business case does not guarantee that an expedite will be facilitated.

As requested the number of employment permit applications received by my Department per month in the period from October 2021 to March 2022 is set out in the table below. The number of applications processed by my Department per month in this period is also set out in this table.

Month

Oct 2021

Nov 2021

Dec 2021

Jan 2022

Feb 2022

March 2022

Applications Received

3,189

3,793

3,606

2,476

2,424

2,867

Applications Processed

1,756

1,846

2,257

2,541

2,878

4,126

Form

Enterprise Support Services

Ceisteanna (38)

John Lahart

Ceist:

38. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding that is being provided in 2022 to support enterprises in the south Dublin local enterprise office area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18480/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In Budget 2022, this Department allocated €31.8m to fund the Local Enterprise Offices, which represents a 5% increase in funding from 2021. The additional funding provided will allow each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices to enhance the role they play in supporting local and regional development.

The Local Enterprise Office, South Dublin, has been allocated €907,798 for 2022 to ensure that businesses are well served in terms of grant aid and financial assistance in addition to serving the training, mentoring, management and capability development requirements of entrepreneurs and managers in the enterprises.

€449k has been set aside to service direct financial assistance to businesses including Feasibility Grants, Priming Grants and Business Expansion Grants. €25k of this is ringfenced for the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters Grant, which will support the ambition set out in the EI Strategy to increase the number of new exporters from our micro-enterprise sector over the course of the coming 4 years.

€459k has been allocated to the broad suite of management development and training programmes that assist business owners in acquiring additional skills to help them succeed in their business. €50,000 of funding has been set aside to deliver the Green4Micro programme in line with the Government commitment to prepare businesses for a greener, more carbon efficient economy. A further €30,000 has been allocated to the Lean4Micro programme which aims to help businesses increase efficiencies and reduce costs.

The Local Enterprise Office budget has grown year on year to meet the needs presented by the businesses and clients who have availed of the services offered. This is borne out by the growth in jobs supported by the Local Enterprise Offices, who have just completed an 8th year of consecutive growth. LEO South Dublin client enterprises supported 1,345 gross jobs in 2021 across 260 client companies with a net increase of 37 jobs for the year. I am satisfied that LEO South Dublin will continue its progress in meeting the requirements of the many businesses who avail of LEO services and that the 2022 budget will be instrumental in the creation of further employment and the advancement of enterprise development in the South Dublin area.

Official Travel

Ceisteanna (39, 41)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

39. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on his last visit to Saudi Arabia and the issues that he raised with the regime there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18805/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

41. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on each of the human rights issues that he raised with the Saudi regime during his last visit given recent reports that these were not recorded in minutes of meetings (details supplied) including any concerns he raised about the war in Yemen. [18777/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 41 together.

I visited Saudi Arabia from 12 – 15 November 2021 as part of an Enterprise Ireland-led trade mission to the Gulf region. The trade mission was organised by Enterprise Ireland and had the participation of 60 Irish companies and organisations. Irish business-to-business interests are growing in the Gulf region. Exports by Irish companies to the UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2020, even against the backdrop of a global pandemic, increased by 12% and 6% respectively, signifying the interest by Irish companies and the continued strong opportunities that exist in this rapidly growing market.

The primary focus of all trade missions and associated meetings is to encourage business-to-business links, to maximise opportunities to help Irish companies to access new markets and to increase the levels of foreign direct investment into Ireland which in turn creates employment opportunities.

While in Saudi Arabia, I held meetings with the President of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Governor and Board of the Saudi Central Bank, the Saudi Minister for Commerce, the Saudi Minister for Investment, and the Saudi Minister for Transport. These meetings were arranged as part of the trade mission to further our trade and investment promotion objectives in Saudi Arabia. I also had discussions on the social and economic transformation which is underway, as part of the Saudi government’s Vision 2030. This aims to diversify the Saudi economy, encourage greater personal freedoms, and deepen Saudi Arabia’s engagement with regional and international partners which include the European Union.

To be effective in raising human rights issues with other countries we must do it in an appropriate way and at the right opportunity, so that our concerns are taken seriously and acted upon. Ireland has always been at the forefront internationally in raising human rights issues through bilateral contacts and especially through the European Union and the United Nations.

I am deeply concerned by the high number of civilian casualties as a result of the Yemen conflict. The EU has been consistently clear that all parties to the conflict have an obligation to uphold International Humanitarian Law. Protecting and promoting human rights is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy, as it is for the European Union. Ireland is committed to all aspects of human rights, and encourages adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in both bilateral dialogues, and in appropriate international fora.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs has also been very clear in his engagement with Saudi Arabia, UAE and others in the region that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Yemen and all parties must engage with the UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg to bring about a peaceful and sustainable solution to this conflict.

Foreign Direct Investment

Ceisteanna (40)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

40. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the IDA's planned advance building solution in Castlebar; the stage site identification options are at; if the IDA has engaged with the new Chief Executive of Mayo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18745/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

IDA Ireland’s property investment is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across IDA’s, Enterprise Ireland and local LEO’s respective client base.

It is essential that regions and counties such as Mayo have competitive, sustainable property offerings to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs.

IDA Ireland has publicly committed to build a new (second) Advance Technology Building in Mayo to support the winning of new investment and job creation.

The site selection process for the new building is well underway. On conclusion of site selection, the design and planning phases will commence. The specific dates for commencement of construction are wholly dependent on and subject to the successful outcome of these processes. IDA will use its best endeavours to deliver the building in a timely manner. IDA Ireland has engaged with Mayo County Council on its plans.

IDA continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply of competitive property solutions in regional locations.

Question No. 41 answered with Question No. 39.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (42)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

42. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the work that his Department has undertaken to progress legal standards for CO2 in the workplace in view of the current wave of Covid-19 and the Government's support for the Workplace Ventilation (Covid-19) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18779/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister with responsibility for workplace Health and Safety legislation, I have requested the Health and Safety Authority to analyse a range of options to achieve the objective of the proposed Workplace Ventilation (Covid-19) Bill 2021.

This analysis is underway including a review of approaches taken in other European Union Member States. I have been informed that a number of legislative options have been identified. A proposal is currently being prepared by the Health and Safety Authority and will be forwarded to my Department in the coming weeks.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 currently creates an obligation on employers to make sure that there is an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace. The evaluation of ventilation in a workplace should form part of an overall workplace risk assessment.

Regional Development

Ceisteanna (43)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

43. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding that is being provided for Regional Enterprise Plans in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18809/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Regional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation is a key policy priority of mine and this Government.

Over the past month, along with Minister of State Damien English TD and Minister of State Robert Troy TD, I have launched the Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 across the country. Eight of the Plans have been launched to date with the South West Plan being launched towards the end of April.

A feature and strength of the Regional Enterprise Plans is that they are developed using a ‘bottom-up’ approach, developed by regional stakeholders who are keenly aware of the growth opportunities and vulnerabilities in their region.

The Regional Steering Committees are chaired by senior industry figures and include the Enterprise Agencies, LEO’s, Local Authorities, Higher Education bodies, and others, all of whom are focused on creating and sustaining employment opportunities in the region. Each Plan contains a set of objectives and related actions to be delivered by end 2024 which are complementary to and support existing Government and agency initiatives.

I have been determined to ensure that funding is available to support these Plans. I can advise the Deputy that up to €180m is being made available for the nine regional plans to develop and implement collaborative and innovative enterprise projects – projects that will not just sustain but add to employment at county, regional and national level.

€6 million has been set aside in 2022 and a further €6 million over the following years to assist those projects which have been delayed and incurred increased costs in the delivery of their originally approved projects. Enterprise Ireland are in the process of contacting eligible projects regarding this fund.

To create a strong pipeline of projects for future funding calls Enterprise Ireland has also announced a new competitive ‘priming’ and ‘feasibility’ scheme fund of up to €5 million. This Scheme is now open for applications and details can be accessed on Enterprise Ireland’s website.

Substantial funding will also be made available up to 2027 for regional enterprise projects under funding from the European Regional Development Fund and Shared Island fund. This funding will help ensure that the coming years will be an exciting time for the Regional Enterprise Plans to further establish their mark in the regions.

Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 27.

Flexible Work Practices

Ceisteanna (45)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

45. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the remote working strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18663/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government knows that many workers place huge social value on workplace flexibility, and remote working plays a central role in enabling that increased flexibility to support a better work/life balance. There has been a significant long-term shift in attitudes to remote work amongst both employers and workers throughout the country.

The Government is committed to increasing remote work adoption through removing barriers, developing infrastructure, providing guidance, raising awareness and leading by example in this area.

In the context of Pillar 1 of the National Remote Work Strategy, published in January 2021, a commitment was made to legislate to provide employees with the right to request remote work. This is one of the key actions of the Strategy.

In line with that Strategy, on 25th January the Government approved the priority drafting of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill 2022. This will provide employees with a right to request remote work and provide a legal framework around which requesting, approving or refusing such a request can be based. It will also provide legal clarity to employers on their obligations for dealing with such requests.

Pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment commenced on 9th February and Departmental officials are scheduled to attend a further meeting on 4th May.

I will be happy to consider any proposals made by the Committee. My Department is currently looking further at the legal issues related to strengthening the redress provisions and the right of appeal and is taking legal advice on the matter. I have also requested officials to consult further with union and employer representatives in this regard over the coming weeks.

We recognise that not all occupations, industries, or particular roles within an enterprise, will be appropriate or suitable for remote working, e.g. construction workers, nurses, doctors, waste collectors. Calls to introduce a blanket right to remote working are not realistic.

Other actions in the Remote Work Strategy are well progressed, such as the publication of the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect and investment in hub infrastructure.

Employment Rights

Ceisteanna (46)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

46. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether legislation in Ireland is robust enough to prevent mass redundancies as in the case of a company (details supplied); his views on whether the Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act, 2007 can prevent employers here using similar tactics; his further views on whether there is a need to re-establish a redundancy panel for such instances of collective redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18766/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I fully appreciate the distress the situation with P&O is causing for the affected workers.

Ireland has a strong suite of employment rights legislation to protect workers. It applies to workers – national and non-national - on board Irish registered ships. As I understand it, the general rule in relation to ships that are not Irish registered is the flag state, the state where the ship is registered, has exclusive right to exercise legislative and enforcement jurisdiction over ships on the high seas.

When an employer is proposing collective redundancies in Ireland, the Protection of Employment Act 1977 imposes a number of obligations on employers. These include an obligation to engage in a 30-day information and consultation process with employees’ representatives before any redundancies can take effect. The employer must also notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the proposed redundancies.

Employees have the right to refer complaints to the Workplace Relations Commission on a wide range of employment law breaches and to seek compensation, including where an employee believes a genuine redundancy situation has not arisen and they have been unfairly dismissed. A situation in which people are dismissed and replaced is not a genuine redundancy. Complaints can also be brought for breaches of the consultation requirements.

The Exceptional Collective Redundancies Act 2007 provided for the setting up of a Redundancy Panel, drawn from the social partners, for referring certain proposed collective redundancies to it to establish if the dismissals constitute an exceptional collective redundancy i.e. where there is a possibility of the collective compulsory replacement of workers by lower paid workers.

The Redundancy Panel would remain in force for three years only but could be extended by Statutory Instrument for a further period of three years subject to:

a. Both the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation having requested the extension, and

b. The Minister being satisfied that the continued operation would be conducive to the continued orderly conduct of industrial relations.

The operation of the Redundancy Panel was last extended up until 7 May 2019. No formal request was received prior to the end date of 7 May 2019 to extend the Redundancy Panel and accordingly it is no longer in force. Consultation with the social partners and new primary legislation would be required to establish another Redundancy Panel.

Ireland's workplace relations structures, a two-tier system involving the WRC and the Labour Court, has greatly improved the complaint adjudication and appeal process for employees. This in addition to the excellent service provided by the WRC conciliation, mediation and inspectorate functions.

Small and Medium Enterprises

Ceisteanna (47)

Brian Leddin

Ceist:

47. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that have been taken to ensure that there is engagement and training with the local enterprise offices on the issue of decarbonisation plans in the small to medium business sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18798/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department actively pursues opportunities for decarbonisation across the enterprise base and integrates climate action into all aspects of the Department and its agencies’ activities. We aim to foster strong, resilient businesses, that are successful and sustainable, while meeting our sector’s climate targets.

My Department, in conjunction with Minister Ryan's Department, has launched the Climate Toolkit for Business, which aims to encourage all SMEs to start their zero-carbon journey. The Toolkit provides an estimate of the carbon footprint of the business based on some simple information input, and generates a tailored action plan and highlights relevant state programmes and funding that can assist in implementing the recommended actions. These actions will be in the areas of energy use, water use, materials use and transport. By implementing them, businesses will be well on their way to a greener future.

Officials in my Department and in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications engaged with a Steering Group which was made up of representatives of relevant state agencies and business representative organisations throughout the development of the Climate Toolkit 4 Business.

In March 2021, I launched the Local Enterprise Office Green for Micro programme. This programme offers advice and technical support to qualifying micro-enterprises covering topics such as resource efficiency, understanding your carbon footprint and implementing an environmental management system. This support is free of charge for eligible enterprises and represents the potential for increased efficiencies within companies that adopt these principles. With climate change, changing regulations, rising resource costs and changing customer expectations, adopting an eco-friendlier approach is the best way forward for business.

The Local Enterprise Offices have approved 285 Green for Micro projects since its inception in March 2021, helping to prepare microenterprises for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future.

In 2021, Enterprise Ireland launched the Climate Enterprise Action Fund. It consists of three initiatives designed to help SMEs on their sustainability journey:

- Climate Action Voucher – a €1,800 grant to engage consultants to develop plans in areas such as resource efficiency and renewable energy.

- GreenStart grant – up to €5,000 to measure carbon footprint and identify actions to reduce emissions and operate more sustainably.

- GreenPlus – grant funding of up to 50% to develop a multi-annual climate change plan aligned to international standards and frameworks.

Since the Climate Enterprise Action Fund was launched in 2021, 150 projects have been approved: 84 Climate Action Vouchers, 52 GreenStarts and 14 GreenPlus projects were grant aided.

My Department continues to work to provide supports for decarbonisation, and I hope to be in a position to announce further interventions in the climate arena for enterprises in the near future.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (48)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

48. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the employment options available to Ukrainian refugees in Ireland on a short, medium and long-term basis; and if his attention has been drawn to any delays in the issuing of work permits. [18420/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As part of the response to the displacement of persons in Ukraine, temporary protection has been granted to Ukrainian citizens in accordance with Section 60 of the International Protection Act, the Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) and Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022. The implementing decision applies from 24 February to those who have fled Ukraine as a result of the war following the Russian invasion.

The operation of the Temporary Protection Directive is the responsibility of the Department of Justice.

This temporary protection permission will allow individuals covered to reside in Ireland for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of such permission being extended for further periods. The granting of temporary protection will include a range of entitlements individuals may wish to avail of, including the entitlement to seek employment or self-employment and vocational training education activities in Ireland.

Individuals covered by the Temporary Protection Directive will not be subject to the employment permits legislation and criteria and will not be required to secure an employment permit in order to take up employment.

The Department of Justice have provided a FAQ document which provides the most up to date arrangements for Ukrainian Citizens and their Family members wishing to travel to Ireland which will be updated by the Department of Justice on an ongoing basis as the arrangements and developments change: www.irishimmigration.ie/faqs-for-ukraine-nationals-and-residents-of-ukraine/.

Co-operative Sector

Ceisteanna (49)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

49. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes that he plans for co-operatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18794/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following a comprehensive review of the Industrial and Provident Societies legislation which governs the establishment and operation of the majority of co-operatives in Ireland, my Department is close to finalising legislative proposals for the most far-reaching reform of the legislation regarding Co-operative Societies in almost 130 years. The proposals will consolidate, modernise and strengthen the legislative basis for the sector and enshrine the co-operative model in legislation for the first time. This will allow co-operatives to operate under a modern, fit for purpose legislative framework, and provide an attractive alternative to the company law model for those entities who subscribe to the co-operative ethos.

The Department is currently considering the responses to a public consultation held in February 2022 on the proposed reforms, before finalising a general scheme of a Co-operative Societies Bill. It is envisaged that the general scheme will be brought to Government before the end of Quarter 2 of this year.

Regional Development

Ceisteanna (50)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

50. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18793/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Regional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation continues to be a key policy priority of mine and this Government.

Throughout 2021, my Department has overseen the development of nine new Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs) to 2024, including for the Midlands, which covers Counties Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath.

A key feature and strength of the Regional Enterprise Plans is that they are developed using a ‘bottom-up’ approach, developed by regional stakeholders who are keenly aware of the growth opportunities and vulnerabilities in their region, and of the benefits of working collaboratively.

Stakeholder consultation sessions attracted attendees from across industry, public sector and higher education sectors from within the region. The sessions highlighted the high-level of collaboration and ambition that exists within the region, with a strong sense of optimism prevalent despite some regional challenges.

The Midlands Regional Steering Committee is chaired by Dr Anne Cusack. The Steering Committee members include representation from the Local Authorities, the Enterprise Agencies, LEOs, Regional Assemblies, Higher Education bodies and others, all of whom are focused on creating and sustaining employment opportunities for the region.

I launched the Midlands Plan in Mullingar on 1 March. The new Plan contains three strategic objectives and related actions to be delivered by end 2024. I am engaging with the regional Chairpersons and Steering Committees as implementation commences.

The Midlands Plan’s strategic objectives are:

- Climate Action – transition to a climate neutral economy.

- Capitalising on strengths of the Midlands through Smart Specialisation and Digitalisation

- Positioning the Midlands as the destination of choice to live, work, visit, invest and learn

The Midlands region has been successful in securing over €6.8 million over five projects under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) and the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme (RETS), since 2017.

I have been determined to ensure that funding is available to support these Plans. I can advise the Deputy that up to €180m is being made available for the nine regional plans to develop and implement collaborative and innovative enterprise projects – projects that will not just sustain but add to employment at county, regional and national level.

€6 million has been set aside in 2022 and a further €6 million over the following years to assist those projects which have been delayed and incurred increased costs in the delivery of their originally approved projects. Enterprise Ireland are in the process of contacting eligible projects regarding this fund.

To create a strong pipeline of projects for future funding calls Enterprise Ireland has also announced a new competitive ‘priming’ and ‘feasibility’ scheme fund of up to €5 million. This Scheme is now open for applications and details can be accessed on Enterprise Ireland’s website.

Substantial funding will also be made available up to 2027 for regional enterprise projects under funding from the European Regional Development Fund and Shared Island fund. This funding will help ensure that the coming years will be an exciting time for the Regional Enterprise Plans.

The Midlands region is full of potential and is very well positioned to compete for the new funding schemes. I strongly encourage all stakeholders to take advantage of the new funding to develop quality projects in the region.

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